Stress is something that all of us feel at one point or another. Whether you have a lot to do at work or you are just overwhelmed by a busy schedule, this tense feeling is likely to follow. A certain level of stress is normal and helps to motivate you to complete daily challenges and reach your goals. However, when you are feeling stressed frequently, it can take a toll on your body, including your smile. Your dentist shares some of the ways that stress has effects on teeth.
Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth at night, also known as bruxism, is a common oral health problem that cam cause headaches, a sore jaw, and damage to your teeth. Severe teeth grinding can even cause broken and lost teeth. Even though there are many reasons that this can happen, stress and anxiety are major factors.
TMJ Disorder
The joints that you use to move your lower jaw are called temporomandibular joints. They are located just below your ear. However, swelling a stiffness in these joints can cause TMJ disorder. This causes pain, clicking, and popping of the jaw. Again, there are many reasons this can happen, but one major cause is stress. When stress is causing you to clench and gride your teeth, you could end up with this issue.
Nail Biting
For many, nail biting is a stress related habit that can be harmful to both your oral health and overall health. Biting on your fingernails can move your teeth out of position, damage your teeth, and introduce germs into the mouth. Viruses and bacteria are being picked up on your fingers all the time, so when you put them into your mouth, you’re putting yourself at risk for illnesses.
Cankers
Most people have known the feeling of having one of these painful mouth ulcers. But what you didn’t know is that along with vitamin B deficiency and injuries, stress is a trigger for annoying canker sores to develop.
Gum Disease
Stress can take a toll on your immune system, making it harder to fight off infections, including gum disease. When gum disease progresses, it can cause loose teeth, bleeding gums, and bad breath. Stress can contribute to gum disease in other ways if it causes you to grind your teeth, clench your jaw, or smoke cigarettes.
Burning Mouth
This condition involves a dry, hot, burning feeling in the mouth. Many things contribute to burning mouth syndrome including depression, anxiety, are stress. Stress-related smoking and drinking can make symptoms worse.
Everyone handles situations differently, but learning some ways that work for you when it comes to dealing with stress can help you have better oral health and keep your smile beautiful.
About the Author
Dr. Suzanne Najjar earned her dental doctorate from Nova Southeastern University and is committed to continuing education in several different areas of dentistry. She is also a current member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. If your mouth is suffering from the repercussions of stress, Dr. Najjar would be happy to help at her practice in DeSoto, TX. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (972) 230-1100.